"The interceptor is quite simply the best patrol vehicle in its class, and the great reception the vehicle has received from law enforcement professionals here in the UAE is a clear sign of its potential," said Al Tayer.

According to Jim Benintende, Managing Director of Ford Middle East and North Africa, the interceptor has become the dominant police vehicle in the United States because of its features and its overall performance and safety record.

"Today, over 80 per cent of police vehicles in North America are the interceptors," he said.

"This model has been designed and tested rigorously to meet the demands of police use for performance, durability and safety."

Benintende feels MEPLEX was the perfect opportunity to unveil the interceptor officially in the UAE and "demonstrate precisely why it is so revered by police forces in the United States and elsewhere in the GCC".

Police officers from departments across the UAE put the vehicle through its paces in a 10-day advanced driving exercise led by David Jones, CEO of Counter Threat Group.

Jones and the police team will treat visitors to MEPLEX to the latest techniques in vehicle pursuit, VIP protection, defence against vehicle attack and counter ambush against attacks.

According to Jones, the interceptor is superior to the vehicles currently used by the police departments in the UAE because it was purposely built for police use, unlike the others which were for civilian use.

Another plus point for the vehicle is that Ford has built a maintenance workshop in the Al Quoz area, which is considered the best in the region.